Port Elizabeth police arrest suspects seize firearm, ammo and drugs

Port Elizabeth police made several arrests and seized a firearm, ammunition and drugs as they concluded their festive season operations across the Mount Road SAPS cluster on Friday.

"SAPS Kabega Park with Provincial Traffic, Metro Traffic and Metro Police held a roadblock on the N2 near Baywest (incoming to Port Elizabeth)," said police spokesperson, Col Priscilla Naidu.

"Traffic was steady and 308 vehicles were stopped and searched, 712 people were searched and 29 traffic fines totalling R33 500 was issued.

"Motorists were given advise on considerate driving as well as fatigue while driving. They were reminded of the Arrive Alive slogan."

She said that crime hotspot areas and malls in all station areas are saturated with additional manpower.

"It is alleged that at about 14:55 on Friday afternoon Bethelsdorp Task Team members followed up on information about a possible firearm at a house in Burke Street in Bloemendal," Col Naidu said.

"The shack was searched and a 6.25 pistol, eighteen .38rounds and nine 6.25 rounds were found.

"No one was arrested and the firearm and rounds were confiscated."

Port Elizabeth police seize drugs and arrest suspects

Col Naidu said Mount Road Crime Prevention members also arrested four males in possession of drugs in separate incidents.

"In the first incident, about 14:00 the members were patrolling the business areas which are still closed and noticed a gold Opel Astra parked near an abandoned building," she described.

"Two males were found in possession of cocaine."

In the second incident, two males were stopped as they were walking from Cape Road into Westbourne Road.

"After searching them tik and dagga was found in their possession," Col Naidu said.

"They were detained on charges of illegal possession of drugs and possession of suspected stolen property."

She said that roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, high density patrols and intensified visibility will continue to be the norm until the end of the festive season as the SAPS strives towards ensuring the safety of citizens.

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